Locking differential

Abstract

A locking differential includes a case which is rotatably driven by a power source. A cross shaft is mounted within the case for rotation therewith. A pair of pinion gears are rotatably mounted on the ends of the cross shaft. The pinion gears mesh with side gears splined onto respect axle shafts. Thus, when the case is rotated, torque is transmitted through the cross shaft, the pinion gears, and the side gears to the axle shafts. A locking collar is journalled on one of the side gears for axial movement between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the locking collar is connected to the side gear for rotation therewith. In the unlocked position, the side gear is free to rotate relative to the locking collar. The locking collar is connected to a shifting collar by a plurality of spoke portions which extend through respective slots formed through the case. Bearing means are provided in each of the slots for engaging and guiding the axial movement of the shifting and locking collars.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A lockable differential comprising: a hollow rotatable case having an opening formed therethrough;   a cross shaft extending through siad case for rotation therewith;   a pair of pinion gears carried on siad cross sahft for toation relative thereto;   a pair of side gears supported within said case for rotation relative to siad case, siad side gears meshing with siad pinion gears, one of siad gears having a locking tooth formed thereof;   a clutch member diposed within said case having a locking tooth formed thereon;   a spoke extendign outwardly from siad clutch member through said case opening for effecting movmeent of said clutch member between a locked postiion, wherein siad clutch member locking tooth is engaged with siad side gear locking tooth to preent relative rotation between said side gear and siad case, and an unlocked position, wherein siad clutch member locking tooth is not engaged with siad side gear locking tooth to permit relative rotation between siad sidde gear and siad case; and   bearing means disosed in soad opening formed through siad case for engaging and guiding siad spoke as it is moved between siad locked and unlocked positions, said bearing measn comrising a gneerally U-shaped clip.   
     
     
       2. A locking differential as set forth in claim 1 wherein siad generally U-shaped clip is provided with flange portions which frictionally secure siad clip to siad case. 
     
     
       3. A locking differential as set forth in claim 1 wherein siad generally U-shaped clip is formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
       4. A locking differential as set forth in claim 1 wherein siad generally U-shaped clip is formed from a glass filled nylon material. 
     
     
       5. A locking differentail as set forth in claim 1 wherein siad generlaly U-shaped clip is formed having a pair of resilient arm portions which engage side portions of said spokes. 
     
     
       6. A locking differentail as set forth in claim 5 wherein siad generlaly U-shaped clip is provided with flange portions which frictionally secure siad clip to siad case. 
     
     
       7. A locking differentail as set forth in claim 5 wherein siad generlaly U-shaped clip is formed from a plastic material. 
     
     
       8. A locking differentail as set forth in claim 5 wherein siad generlaly U-shaped clip is formed from a glass filled nylon material. 
     
     
       9. A locking differential as set forth in claim 1 wherein a plurlaity of openings are formed through said case. 
     
     
       10. A locking differential as set forht in claim 9 wherein a plurality of spokes are provided, each of said spokes extending outwardly from siad clutch member through respective ones of said openings. 
     
     
       11. A locking differential as set forth in claim 10 wherein resepctive bearing means are disposed in said openings formed through said case for engagings and guiding said spokes as they are moved between siad locked and unlocked positions, each of siad bearing means compirsing a generally U-shaped clip.